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Climate Emergency

Legislative Report - Week of 6/2

Climate Emergency Team

 

Coordinator: Claudia Keith​

  • Efficient and Resilient Buildings: Bill Glassmire

  • Environmental Justice: Nancy Rosenberger

  • Environmental Rights Amendment: Claudia Keith

  • Natural Climate Solution - Forestry: Josie Koehne

  • CEI - Critical Energy Infrastructure : Nikki Mandell and Laura Rogers

  • Community Resilince & Emergency Management: Rebecca Gladstone 

  • Transportation: Claudia Keith

  • Joint Ways and Means - Budgets, Lawsuits, Green/Public Banking,

  • Divestment/ESG: Claudia Keith

  • Find additional Climate Change Advocacy volunteers in Natural Resources

Please see Climate Emergency Overview here.

Jump to a topic:


The League joined many other organizations this past week to oppose the Transportation Budget Cap and Trade proposal. The League is open to the idea that a west coast cap and trade solution may be viable in the future; however, the details related to this idea and how it affects CPP Climate Protection Plan, still need a robust public process. Refer to last week's CE LR and the sign on letter for details. We understand that there will be further discussion about this topic after the session ends. It will likely come up during legislature interim days.


See also Transportation in the Natural Resources Legislative Reports.



Federal


While the primary focus of the LWVOR Action Committee is on Legislation in Oregon, what is happening at the federal level is likely to affect budgeting and other decisions in our state. These climate/energy-related Trump admin policy and budget related executive orders if implemented would drastically affect  global  UN COP efforts in all fifty states, including Oregon’s climate-related legislation (policy and budget), state agencies, and community climate action plans/state statutes/ targeted outcomes.


Federal Register: Withdrawal of National Environmental Policy Act Guidance on Consideration of Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Climate Change


Supreme Court curbs scope of environmental reviews required by NEPA - The Washington Post


Science policy this week: May 26, 2025 - AIP.ORG (American Institute of Physics AIP.ORG )



How the Five Pillars of U.S. Climate Policy are Threatened – Environmental and Energy Law Program | Harvard


On ‘Laudato Si’ anniversary, Trump policies threaten progress on climate change | America Magazine


Oregon


In May 2025, Oregon's climate policy is undergoing significant discussions and adjustments. Specifically, lawmakers are considering transitioning from the state's current Climate Protection Program (CPP) to a cap-and-trade system, potentially linking it with other West Coast states. There's also an ongoing debate about the Clean Truck Rules, with enforcement delays and potential federal interference. Additionally, the state is actively working on climate justice initiatives and addressing rising utility bills. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6] 


Here's a more detailed look at the key aspects of Oregon's climate policy in May 2025: 


1. Transitioning to a Cap-and-Trade System: 

  • Lawmakers are exploring replacing the CPP, which currently funds projects reducing greenhouse gas emissions, with a cap-and-trade system. [1, 1] 

  • This new system would likely be linked with other states, potentially including Washington and California, according to Oregon Capital Chronicle. [2] 

  • The CPP, which sets a declining cap on emissions from fossil fuels, is designed to reduce emissions by 50% by 2035 and 90% by 2050. [7, 7] 

  • The current CPP revenues are invested in projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, according to Oregon Public Broadcasting. [1, 1] 

2. Clean Truck Rules and Federal Interference: 

  • The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) recently announced a two-year delay in enforcing its Advanced Clean Trucks Rules, which require manufacturers to increase sales of zero-emission vehicles. [3, 4] 

  • This delay came after the Trump administration signed an executive order that could hinder state and local efforts to enforce climate laws. [8] 

  • Some Oregon lawmakers, according to Oregon Public Broadcasting, fear that federal Republicans could further derail these efforts, potentially axing the rules altogether. [4] 

3. Climate Justice and Utility Bills: 

  • The state is actively working on climate justice initiatives, including addressing rising utility bills and supporting community resilience. [5, 5, 6, 6] 

  • The Oregon Environmental Council, according to its website https://oeconline.org/our-work/policy/, is pushing for policies that boost community resilience, speed up clean energy adoption, and enhance the state's economy. [9, 10] 

  • There are also ongoing efforts to ensure utilities can't pass certain costs, like advertising or political spending, onto ratepayers, according to the Sierra Club. [11, 11] 

4. Other Notable Climate Policy Discussions: 

  • The Sierra Club reports on various bills related to energy efficiency, utility rates, and renewable energy. [11] 

  • The Oregon Environmental Council is advocating for stronger climate policies, including removing barriers to clean energy and expanding clean energy infrastructure. [9] 

  • The state is also working on a Comprehensive Climate Action Plan, due in December 2025, to identify more opportunities to reduce climate pollution. [12] 

5. Ongoing Challenges and Opportunities: 

  • Oregon's climate policy is facing challenges from federal actions and fossil fuel industry pressure. [4, 13] 

  • Despite these challenges, the state is committed to continuing its climate action efforts and transitioning to a clean energy economy. [8, 13] 

  • The state is also exploring ways to leverage federal funds to support climate initiatives but recognizes the need for ongoing state funding to ensure their sustainability. [5, 9] 


[1] https://www.opb.org/article/2025/05/22/oregon-lawmakers-cap-and-trade-salem-pollution-greenhouse-gas-emissions-bridge/

[2] https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2025/05/22/oregon-lawmakers-look-to-reshape-cap-and-trade-program-to-pay-for-transportation-needs/

[3] https://oregonbusinessindustry.com/may-19-2025-capitol-connect/

[4] https://www.opb.org/article/2025/05/28/oregon-clean-truck-rules-environment-trump-republicans/

[5] https://www.climatesolutions.org/article/2025-01/climate-solutions-2025-oregon-legislative-agenda

[6] https://www.olcv.org/tell-oregon-lawmakers-we-need-a-strong-climate-justice-budget-in-2025/

[7] https://www.oregon.gov/deq/ghgp/cpp/pages/default.aspx

[8] https://www.opb.org/article/2025/04/10/trump-oregon-climate-laws-executive-order/

[9] https://oeconline.org/our-work/policy/

[10] https://oeconline.org/our-work/policy/

[11] https://www.sierraclub.org/oregon/blog/2025/05/may-update-2025-legislative-session

[12] https://www.oregon.gov/deq/ghgp/pages/climate-pollution-reduction-planning-grant.aspx

[13] https://www.climatesolutions.org/article/2025-05/midpoint-momentum-climate-progress-update-oregons-2025-legislative-session


Oregon Citizens Utility Board : ‘CUB Goes to Washington, D.C. | Latest News | News | Oregon CUB | posted 5/20/25


‘Calling In: Tell Oregon lawmakers to invest in our transportation future TODAY!‘ | Climate Solutions | posted 5/30/25


COIN: Consolidated Oregon Indivisible - CEE Legislation 5/30 update


Our energy grid needs help fast. Contact your legislator today! | Climate Solutions. 5/30/25



Current Week CE Action


The League joined two sign-on letters this week:


  • ( support) A Bipartisan microgrid package ( clean energy and community resilience) HB 2065 and HB 2066 . 

  • ( oppose)  the Transportation Budget Cap and Trade



Joint Ways and Means CE Funding Topics


Transportation Package Priorities 


The League supports OCN and other statewide NGO budget priorities:


  • Increase funding above 2017 levels for public transit



  • Increase funding above 2017 levels for a safe, complete multimodal system (i.e. GreatStreets, Safe Routes to School, Oregon Community Paths, and bike/ped both on-street and trails, etc.) 



  • Dedicated or increased revenue for light, medium and heavy-duty vehicle incentives, including for charging and purchasing of ZEVs (🡪 See NR LR for additional details) 




News release:  Report: Oregon Department of Transportation plagued by delays, staff turnover, cost overruns - OPB


Please see Natural Resources Legislative Report on Transportation


Energy Affordability and Utility Accountability 


The League joined a coalition sign-on letter in April   requesting funding to support building resilience. The goal is to use affordable measures to protect people from extreme weather.


One Stop Shop 2.0/Energy Efficiency Navigation


(HB 3081): This bill would create a navigation program at ODOE to help Oregonians access federal, state, local, and utility energy efficiency incentives all in one place


Get the Junk Out of Rates 


(SB 88): This bill would stop utilities from charging certain expenses like lobbying, advertising, association fees to customers.  Protecting Oregonians with Energy Responsibility (POWER Act) (HB 3546): This bill ensures Oregon households are not unfairly burdened by large energy users with grid and transmission costs.


Full Funding for Climate Resilience programs


  • Reinvesting the same amount as last biennium in three programs:


  • Rental Home Heat Pump Program (ODOE), $30m



  • Community Heat Pump Deployment Program (ODOE), $15m



  • Community Resilience Hubs (OREM), $10m (House Bill 3170)




Environmental Justice Bills. (disadvantaged communities)


HB 3170: Community Resilience Hubs and networks: Fiscal $10M

Work Session 3/4, passed to JWM, DHS, Sponsors, Rep. Marsh, Sen Pham and Rep Tan. League testimony





                   

HB2548: new 5/23 amendment  and new  SMS   now. An  agriculture workforce labor standards study,HR PH was 5/29. New -7 amendment changing the bill to a study with $616K fiscal. League Testimony. House LWS Work Session was held 4/9 , with no amendments, no recommendation .


Natural and Working Lands



Critical Energy Infrastructure (CEI) Emergency Management Package Update

By Claudia Keith


  • HB 2151: Testimony; appears dead





  • HB 2152: Testimony; work session held 4/8 , passed, moved to Joint Ways and Means (JWM) -2 amendments, Staff Measure Summary (SMS). $1M+ fiscal





  • HB 2949: Testimony; work session held 4/8 , passed to JWM w -5 amendment new SMS. Fiscal is not available, will be completed if the bill gets a hearing in JWM NR SC. 





  • HB 3450A  Testimony, work session held, 4/8  passed adopted amendment -1.  fiscal >1M$. referred to JWM 4/11






See CEI Hub Seismic Risk Analysis (The study, Impacts of Fuel Releases from the CEI Hub, is intended to characterize and quantify the anticipated damages from the CEI Hub in the event of the Cascadia Subduction Zone (CSZ) Earthquake.) See Climate Emergency April 28: CEI emergency management package update.


The Bigger Picture: ASCE's (American Society of Civil Engineers, founded in 1852), Oregon received a  C- grade Infrastructure Report Card.




Environmental Rights Constitutional Amendment


At this point in the session, it is doubtful SJR 28 has enough support to move out of Sen Rules. SJR 28  proposed -1 amendment, Environmental Rights Constitutional amendment (ERA) Senate Joint Resolution -  with referral to the 2026 ballot, public hearing was 3/26. The League provided support with comments testimony. The bill is in Senate Rules, so the Legislative first chamber deadlines are not applicable. A Work Session is not yet scheduled. The -1 amendment is a partial rewrite and may address the League’s concerns. 


The OCERA coalition appears to be planning a ballot initiative campaign. ‘Supporters of Oregon Green Amendment rally at the Oregon State Capitol ‘ | Salem Statesman Journal.



Oregon Treasury:  Oregon Divest/ Environmental, Social, and Governance Updates

 

By Claudia Keith 


HB 2081A: Senate Finance and Revenue WS 6/2. Directs the Oregon Investment Council and the State Treasurer to take certain actions to manage the risks of climate change to the Public Employees Retirement Fund. Passed House along party lines. WS Senate Finance & Rev is 5/28. At the request of; (no sponsor: at the request of House Interim Committee on Revenue for Representative Nancy Nathanson)

HB 2200  -1 , House work session was 4/8, bill was requested by previous Treasury Sec Tobias and supported by Treasurer Steiner, related to ESG investing, identified as the compromise bill. League chose not to comment. 






Other Climate Bills


  • HB 3963 Offshore Wind: House Rules WS was 5/29, passed. Extends the deadline from Sept 1, 2025, to Jan 1, 2027, for the DLCD to draft and submit a report to the Legislative Assembly on the department's activities to develop an Offshore Wind Roadmap and its assessment of enforceable state policies related to offshore wind energy development off the Oregon coast. 

  • HB 2566A: Stand-alone Energy resilience Projects, Work Session was 3/20, moved to JWM, Rep Gamba was the only nay. At the request of Governor Tina Kotek (H CEE), DOE presentation




  • HB 3365B: climate change instruction /curriculum in public schools, 4/21 moved to Sen Ed, PH 5/7, WS was 5/21 passed, awaiting transfer. League Testimony ,  NO Fiscal noted, Chief Sponsors: Rep Fragala, Rep McDonald




  • SB 688A: -5 , Public Utility Commission performance-based regulation of electric utilities, PH 3/12,& 3/19, work session was 3/24, updated $974K fiscal, moved to JWM , Sub Cmt Natural Resources. League testimony, Sen. Golden, Sen. Pham

  • SB 827A: Solar and Storage Rebate, SEE Work session 2/17, Gov. Kotek & DOE, Senate voted 21-7, moved to House 3/4, House passed, 5/20.  Governor signed 5/28 

  • HB 3546AB, -3 the POWER Act, in Sen E&E , PH 4/30, 5/5, P WS was 5/14, moved with due pass. Sen  2nd reading, carried over. 6/2. The bill requires the Public Utility Commission (PUC) to create a new rate class for the largest energy users in the state. (data centers and other high-volume users). These regulations would only apply to customers in the for-profit utility's service areas of PGE, Pacific Power, and Idaho Power. NO Fiscal, on its way to the floor. The League has approved being listed on a coalition sign on advocacy letter.   



  • HB 3189 in JWM. Oregon lawmakers introduce legislation to rein in utility bills | KPTV, Citizens Utility Board CUB presentation here.
 



  • SB 1143A : -3, moved to JWM, with bipartisan vote, PH was 3/19, Work session was 4/7 SEE, PUC established a pilot program that allows each natural gas Co to develop a utility-scale thermal energy network (TEN) pilot project to provide heating and cooling services to customers. Senator Lieber, Sollman, Representative Levy B, Senator Smith DB, Representative Andersen, Marsh. Example: Introduction to the MIT Thermal Energy Networks (MITTEN) Plan for Rapid and Cost-Effective Campus Decarbonization.  




  • HB 3609 work session 4/8, moved to JWM. The measure requires electric companies to develop and file with the Oregon Public Utility Commission a distributed power plant program for the procurement of grid services from customers of the electric company who enroll in the program. H CEE, PH 3/11




  • HB 3653 in Sen E&E, PH 4/28, WS was 5/5, 6-0 vote. House vote was 51 - 9. Senate 5/15 vote passed, waiting for Gov signature. Allows authorized state agencies to enter into energy performance contracts without requiring a competitive procurement if the authorized state agency follows rules that the Attorney General adopts, negotiates a performance guarantee, and enters into the contract with a qualified energy service company that the ODOE prequalifies and approves.






Climate Lawsuits/Our Children’s Trust


Here is one example of how to track ODEQ Climate Protection Program cases. Basically, there are a number of active federal lawsuits, Climate Litigation May 30 Updates 

 

Another source: Columbia University Law - Sabin Climate DB lists 85 lawsuits , (active and dismissed) mentioning Oregon.


Our Children’s Trust. ‘22 Youth Sue Donald Trump Over Executive Orders That Escalate Climate Crisis’ 5/29 Press Release

Media Coverage: 


May 29, 2025 - E&E News

Youth sue Trump admin over efforts to ‘unleash’ American fossil fuels


May 29, 2025 - Montana Right Now

Youth-led lawsuit challenges Trump's energy policies in new case


May 29, 2025 - Bloomberg Law

Youth Launch New Climate Lawsuit Against Trump’s Energy Orders


May 29, 2025 - Barron’s

Youths Sue Trump Over US Climate Orders


May 29, 2025 - Common Dreams

Youth Sue Over Trump Executive Orders That 'Escalate' Climate Crisis


May 29, 2025 - Montana Public Radio

Young people sue Trump administration over climate change


May 29, 2025 - The New York Times 

Youth Climate Activists Sue Trump Administration Over Executive Orders


May 29, 2025 - The Guardian

Trump violating right to life with anti-environment orders, youth lawsuit says


Highlights of House and Senate Policy Committee and Chamber Votes


5/28 Senate E&E Information Meeting


The meeting focused on two topics, first Rep. Gamba’s HB 3609, now in Joint W&M after being reported out favorably by House CE&E. It would require each investor-owned electric utility to develop a distributed power plant (DPP) program for procuring grid services from distributed energy resources—small-scale generation and storage systems located on the consumer’s side of the meter that connect to the electric grid, such as rooftop solar photovoltaic units, smart thermostats and water heaters, and battery storage. A utility customer could enroll in the utility’s DPP program directly or through a third party, and the utility could recover in rates any prudently incurred costs. The PUC would have to develop and adopt five-year procurement targets and performance incentives for utilities to meet the targets. 

 

The bill carries an estimated fiscal impact to PUC of $993,015 in Other Funds and 3 positions (2.63 FTE) in the 2025- 27 biennium, and $839,946 in Other Funds and 3 positions (3.00 FTE) in 2027-29. The measure may have an as yet undetermined fiscal impact on special districts. If LFO receives requested information, it will issue a revised fiscal impact statement.


Gamba said the coming "load avalanche” will require us to develop multiple solutions before new transmission lines and power sources can be up and running. Rolling blackouts due to excessive peak loads could come as soon as this summer. This bill would aggregate many behind-the-meter sources that can “shave” those peak loads. An OSSIA rep said scaling up DPPs will let utilities use existing energy devices that customers have already invested in to address issues with the power grid. This is the cheapest energy on the market. The bill would not require massive new investment, but would require statutory directives and timelines for DPP deployment. Investor-Owned Utilities (IOUs) oppose the bill, saying their demand-response programs, compensating customers who adjust their usage patterns, have succeeded in shifting electricity usage away from peak hours, and they don't need a mandatory program directed by PUC.


Second topic was a Climate Protection Program update. DEQ's Collin McConnaha and Nicole Singh covered the familiar background of the CPP since 2020, leading to the 2024 rulemaking in response to the program's temporary shutdown. The first 2 years of program experience saw significant reductions in GHG emissions from fossil fuel use, largely due to replacement by biofuels and electricity. DEQ's 2024 rulemaking drew more than 10,000 public comments and more input from industry through the RAC. Industry contributed greatly to the rulemaking and were responsible for many program changes, notably more flexible compliance options and protections for Emission-Intensive Trade-Exposed Industries, which will have no compliance obligations in the first 3 years. DEQ will also collaborate with PUC in tracking the impact of the CPP on natural gas rates. The Community Climate Investment (CCI) program has been retained as a cornerstone with improved accountability and transparency.


During Q&A, Sens. Brock Smith and Robinson grilled DEQ on the meaning of "equitable" in the context of the CE transition, nuts and bolts of the CCI program, compliance instrument prices, and overall CPP cost projections. Robinson put his climate change denial on record again and expressed skepticism that the CPP's public health benefits could possibly balance the costs to consumers and industry as projected in DEQ's fiscal impact statement.


The topic of the "cap and pave" mechanism being developed in Joint Transportation did not come up.



VOLUNTEERS NEEDED:  What is your passion related to Climate Emergency ?  You can help. Volunteers are needed.  The short legislative session begins in January of 2026. Many State Agency Boards and Commissions meet regularly year-round and need monitoring.  If any area of climate or natural resources is of interest to you, please contact Peggy Lynch, Natural Resources Coordinator, or Claudia Keith Climate Emergency at peggylynchor@gmail.com Or climatepolicy@lwvor.org.  Training will be offered.



Interested in reading additional reports? Please see our Governance, Revenue, Natural Resources, and Social Policy report section


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